A three-dimensional measuring device includes a ball-shaped structure, an X-axis measuring module, a Y-axis measuring module and a Z-axis measuring module. The ball-shaped structure is moved and/or rotated in response to a movement of a movable object. The X-axis measuring module includes a first measuring structure and a first position sensor. The first measuring structure is movable along an X-axis direction and contacted with the ball-shaped structure. The Y-axis measuring module includes a second measuring structure and a second position sensor. The second measuring structure is movable along a Y-axis direction and contacted with the ball-shaped structure. The Z-axis measuring module includes a third measuring structure and a third position sensor. The third measuring structure is movable along a Z-axis direction and contacted with the ball-shaped structure.

A method of operating an articulated arm CMM is provided. Instructions for the CMM can be inputted to the CMM arm by an action chosen from the group consisting of placing the arm in a predefined position and moving the arm in a predefined manner.

An articulated arm CMM system comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the base comprising a docking portion. The articulated arm CMM system also includes a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portions and provide additional electronic functionality.

A tool calibration apparatus for a robot manipulator having a tool is disclosed. The tool calibration apparatus comprises a base, an X-axis measurement device, a Y-axis measurement device and a Z-axis measurement device. Each of the X-axis measurement device, the Y-axis measurement device and the Z-axis measurement device comprises a measuring plate and a sensor. The measuring plates of the X-axis measurement device, the Y-axis measurement device and the Z-axis measurement device move in a direction along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The sensors of the X-axis measurement device, the Y-axis measurement device and the Z-axis measurement device measure a displacement of the corresponding measuring plate. According to the displacements, information of a tool center point of the tool is acquired so as to calibrate the tool center point.

A method of operating an articulated arm CMM is provided. Instructions for the CMM can be inputted to the CMM arm by an action chosen from the group consisting of placing the arm in a predefined position and moving the arm in a predefined manner.

An articulated arm CMM system comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the base comprising a docking portion. The articulated arm CMM system also includes a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portions and provide additional electronic functionality.

An articulated arm CMM system comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the base comprising a docking portion. The articulated arm CMM system also includes a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portions and provide additional electronic functionality.

A tool calibration apparatus for a robot manipulator having a tool is disclosed. The tool calibration apparatus comprises a base, an X-axis measurement device, a Y-axis measurement device and a Z-axis measurement device. Each of the X-axis measurement device, the Y-axis measurement device and the Z-axis measurement device comprises a measuring plate and a sensor. The measuring plates of the X-axis measurement device, the Y-axis measurement device and the Z-axis measurement device move in a direction along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The sensors of the X-axis measurement device, the Y-axis measurement device and the Z-axis measurement device measure a displacement of the corresponding measuring plate. According to the displacements, information of a tool center point of the tool is acquired so as to calibrate the tool center point.

A three-dimensional measuring device includes a ball-shaped structure, an X-axis measuring module, a Y-axis measuring module and a Z-axis measuring module. The ball-shaped structure is moved and/or rotated in response to a movement of a movable object. The X-axis measuring module includes a first measuring structure and a first position sensor. The first measuring structure is movable along an X-axis direction and contacted with the ball-shaped structure. The Y-axis measuring module includes a second measuring structure and a second position sensor. The second measuring structure is movable along a Y-axis direction and contacted with the ball-shaped structure. The Z-axis measuring module includes a third measuring structure and a third position sensor. The third measuring structure is movable along a Z-axis direction and contacted with the ball-shaped structure.

An articulated arm CMM comprises a plurality of transfer members, a plurality of articulation members connecting at least two transfer members to each other, a coordinate acquisition member at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end. At least two of the articulation members can include at least one encoder and the at least two encoders can both be enclosed within a single monoblock housing.